In its strategy to achieve financial inclusion by reaching to the un-reached section of the society, country's PSU lender, Punjab National Bank has opened its 77th office at Talab Tillo Chowk in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr R C Kaul, Deputy General Manager, Punjab National Bank, J&K Circle inaugurated the branch. Talking at the occasion Kaul said that the bank's prime objective is to reach out to the doors of the people and extend them smooth services.

He further told that the local population had demanded the bank to start a branch in Talab Tillo area. The commencement of this branch will now facilitate the people with services including internet banking and ATM-cum-debit card.

Presently PNB has around 77 offices spread all the way from Lakhanpur to Leh. Out of these 77 branches, 49 are operational in Jammu province alone.

The bank started extending its services in the state back in May 1905 when its first branch was opened at Lal Chowk, Srinagar. With the launch of this branch, PNB's branch network in the state would reach to a number of 110, informed Mr Kual stating that the bank has a network of 33 ATMs in J&K.

PNB has now added a 100% Centralized Bankin Solutions (CBS) to all its branch network spread across the nation, said Kaul.

PNB seem to be in continuous ride of expanding its presence over the country as well as in abroad. Recently the bank has opened its new branch at Hinjewadi, Pune and has also decided to start its offices in Canada, Norway and Bhutan.

PNB is likely to examine a reduction its interest rates subsequent to the packages announced by the government and the Reserve Bank of India.